{"id":42619,"date":"2016-09-13T07:00:50","date_gmt":"2016-09-12T21:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=42619"},"modified":"2016-09-12T08:27:14","modified_gmt":"2016-09-11T22:27:14","slug":"how-to-fly-when-youre-afraid-of-flying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/how-to-fly-when-youre-afraid-of-flying\/","title":{"rendered":"How to fly when you\u2019re afraid of flying"},"content":{"rendered":"

Airports<\/a> have always provided me with a sense of freedom and adventure. Being the gateway to a new experience, it\u2019s hard for me not to enjoy that part of my trip. I cruise through the shops, have a cheeky burger and treat myself to a glass of bubbles. When I\u2019m in holiday mode, there\u2019s nothing that can stop me.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Well, almost nothing. There is my partner, who unlike me, is absolutely terrified of flying<\/a>. Where I spend weeks in advance daydreaming about our next destination, he thinks up scenarios about everything that could go wrong as soon as the plane takes off. Where I wonder what I should pack, he wonders about how many planes didn\u2019t finish their routes. Yikes!<\/p>\n

He isn\u2019t the only one though. About one in six people<\/a> have a fear that prevents them from flying. Fear is a funny thing, and I can\u2019t take it away. But if I can drag my terrified boyfriend\u00a0 around the world, you can overcome your fear too!<\/p>\n

Here are five things that will make it easier to fly when you\u2019re afraid of flying:<\/p>\n

Remember it is super safe:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Modern planes<\/a> are made to withstand more force than turbulence can create, so you\u2019re more likely to find oil in your backyard and retire as a millionaire, than crash because of turbulence. Make a mental note, and try to keep this in mind when anxiety takes over.<\/p>\n

Keep yourself entertained:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once on the plane<\/a>, it\u2019s important you make yourself as comfortable as possible and keep your mind distracted. Have a look at the on-board entertainment before you fly, and pick out the movies you\u2019d like to watch. Bring something to keep you entertained – a book for example – and schedule your activities so you\u2019ll be busy throughout the flight. Remember that this is part of your holiday, so do something you enjoy.<\/p>\n\"\"\n

Get a pair of noise cancelling headphones:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nobody is a fan of the sounds planes make. They\u2019re noisy on the outside and inside, and for you, they\u2019re probably a constant reminder that you\u2019re up in the air. Noise cancelling headphones are a miracle worker. Not only do they give you the perfect sounds when watching TV, they also cancel noise when you\u2019re not listening to anything. With a little bit of fantasy, it\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re on the train.<\/p>\n\"\"\n

Have a chat with your doctor:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Noise cancelling headphones aren\u2019t the only miracle workers out there, so have a chat with your doctor and see if they can recommend tips for helping you fly<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Treat yo \u2018self: <\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019re doing a massive thing: you\u2019re confronting your biggest fear. So be kind to yourself! A little post-flight treat to look forward to when you arrive at your destination is a great idea. Buy yourself that handbag you\u2019ve had your eye on or book in for a relaxing massage for when you arrive at your hotel.<\/p>\n\"\"\n

What do you do to make flying easier for yourself? Share your tips and tricks in the comments!<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n